Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico made his first public appearance since being wounded in an assassination attempt. In a prerecorded speech posted on Facebook, Fico acknowledged the serious damage to his health from the attack but stated that he has forgiven his attacker and has no plans for legal action. He pledged to be back at work at the end of June, beginning of July, and said he felt “no hatred” towards his assailant. Fico suggested that his views, particularly on Russia’s war on Ukraine and other issues, which differ from the European mainstream, may have made him a target.
Fico was wounded in the abdomen in the town of Handlova while greeting supporters last month. The assailant was arrested and Fico has been recovering from multiple wounds since the incident. Despite the attack, Fico remains committed to his political beliefs and feels that his different opinions have made him a victim. He criticized the opposition and others, stating that his attacker was simply a “messenger of evil and political hatred.” Fico expressed his belief that the right to have a different opinion has ceased to exist in the European Union, blaming unspecified Western countries for the alleged situation.
The Prime Minister was released from the hospital in the central city of Banska Bystrica last week and has been recuperating at his home in Bratislava. Fico underwent two surgeries following the attack and is focused on his recovery in the coming weeks. The government has been facing criticism for its efforts to overhaul public broadcasting, with opponents concerned that it would give the government full control over public television and radio. Additionally, plans to amend the penal code to eliminate a special anti-graft prosecutor have raised worries that Fico may be leading Slovakia towards a more autocratic path.
Despite the severity of the attack and the challenges of his recovery, Fico appeared in good shape as he delivered his speech online. He expressed his forgiveness towards his attacker and his desire to return to work in the near future. Fico’s views on various political issues have set him apart from others in the European mainstream, a factor that he believes may have contributed to the assassination attempt. While stating that having a different opinion is no longer accepted in the European Union, Fico blamed certain Western countries for the alleged situation.
The assassination attempt on Prime Minister Fico has raised concerns about political tensions in Slovakia and the potential for violence in the country. Fico’s supporters and opponents alike are closely watching his recovery and his future plans for the government. Despite the challenges he faces, Fico remains determined to continue his political work and to stay true to his beliefs. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and dangers that politicians sometimes face in the course of their duties, but also of the resilience and determination of those who persevere in the face of adversity.
